Café Dishwasher Owner's Manual

Getting Started

Features and appearance may vary. On the control panel, underlined words are pads, and non-underlined words are features.

CDT828 Series Control Panel:

[Diagram: Representation of the CDT828 Series control panel with buttons like Ultra Clean, Select Cycle, Auto, Cookware, Normal, Express, Gentle, Delay, Favorites, Presoak, Sanitize, Hi-Temp Wash, Silverware Wash, Dry, Start, Off, Save Selections, Lock Controls, Cancel.]

CDT858, CDT888, CDP888 Series Control Panel:

[Diagram: Representation of the CDT858, CDT888, CDP888 Series control panel with buttons like DUAL CONVECTION, WiFi, Ultra Clean, Select Cycle, Auto, Cookware, Normal, Express, Gentle, Delay, Favorites, Presoak, Sanitize, Hi-Temp Wash, Silverware Wash, Dry, Start, Off, Save Selections, Connect to App, Lock Controls, Cancel.]

Leak Protection (on some models): If a leak is detected, the dishwasher will drain and stop. The display will show “LEAK DETECTED”. Contact Café for service.

1. Load Dishwasher: For best results, follow loading guidelines in the Loading section. Scrape off hard soils (bones, toothpicks, skins, seeds). Remove leafy vegetables, meat trimmings, and excessive grease or oil. No pre-rinsing of normal food soil is required.
2. Add Detergent: Add the recommended amount of detergent to the dispenser. Use high-quality detergents like Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent. See Dispensers section.
3. Add Rinse Agent: Add high-quality rinse agents like Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid to the rinse agent dispenser. See Dispensers section. Rinse aid enhances drying performance.

4. Select Cycle

Press the leftmost pad (on some models) for the desired wash cycle. A light next to the pad indicates selection. On other models, pressing the Select Cycle pad cycles through options on the display window. Press until the desired cycle is shown.

Note: Actual cycle times vary based on soil level, water temperature, and selected options. Cycles start after pressing Start and closing the door within 4 seconds.

• Auto: Senses soil level and adjusts cycle. Time range: 1 hour 50 minutes - 2 hours 10 minutes.
• Cookware: For heavily soiled dishes, cookware, pots, or pans with dried-on or baked-on soils. Everyday dishes are safe. Time: 2 hours 31 minutes.
• Normal: For daily, regular use, full loads, conserving water and energy. Time range: 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 50 minutes. Used for energy efficiency ratings.
• Gentle: For light to medium soiled dishes. Safe for china and crystal with no options selected. Time: 55 minutes.
• Express (on some models): Washes loosely soiled dishes in 1 hour. Heated dry adds 65-105 minutes. For better drying, select Dry or Ultra Dry. Dishes will "flash" dry in approximately five minutes after cycle completion by opening the door and pulling racks out.
• Favorites (on some models): Assign a cycle from an expanded list via the SmartHQ App by connecting to WiFi.

ℹ️ NOTE: Washing time only. Does not include drying time, Auto Hot Start, or options. Auto Hot Start may add up to 11 minutes if incoming water temperature is too low.

5. Select Options

• Normal Temp: For normally soiled dishes, optimizes wash performance while conserving energy.
• Hi-Temp Wash: Increases temperature for heavily soiled dishes, adding 20-50 minutes to cycle time. Can be turned On/Off during the wash cycle. Improves dry performance on Normal cycle.
• Wash Presoak + Sanitize/Sani: Raises water temperature in the final rinse to sanitize. May increase cycle time by 60 minutes. Sanitization requirements must be met; interrupted cycles or low incoming water temperature may prevent the Sanitized light from illuminating. Complies with NSF 184 Standard. Certified residential dishwashers are not for licensed food establishments.
• Dry:
  • Off: Dishes air dry naturally, saving energy. Open door to speed drying.
  • On/Normal: Faster drying. May extend wash cycle up to 85 minutes. Not available with Express cycle.
  • Ultra: Selected by pressing Dry pad twice. Adds additional time for enhanced drying performance for difficult items.
• Silverware Wash (on some models): Increases wash jet focus on silverware, adding up to 23 minutes to cycle time. Use for difficult-to-clean soils. See Loading section for recommendations.
• Delay: Delays cycle start up to 8-12 hours. Press Delay, select hours, then press Start and close door to begin countdown.
• Control Lock: Prevents accidental selections or cycle changes. To LOCK: Press and hold Hi-Temp Wash and Sani pads for 3 seconds (on some models). Controls Lock light turns on. If no Controls Lock light, use SmartHQ app. To UNLOCK: Press and hold Hi-Temp Wash and Sani pads for 3 seconds (on some models). Controls Lock light turns off. If no Controls Lock light, use SmartHQ app or press and hold Start for 3 seconds.

6. Start Dishwasher

• Start: Press Start pad and close door within 4 seconds to start cycle or Delay countdown. Cycle begins shortly after door closure. Display turns off if door remains open for two minutes. Activate display by closing/opening door or pressing any pad.
• Interrupt or Pause: Slowly open door to pause cycle. Dishwasher beeps every minute to remind you to close the door. To resume, press Start and close door within 4 seconds.
• Cancel: Press and hold Start pad for 3 seconds and close door. Dishwasher drains, beeps, and wash cycle light turns OFF.

7. Cycle Indicator Lights and Sounds

• Sanitized: Illuminates at cycle end if Presoak+Sanitize/Sani was selected and sanitization requirements were met. See Presoak+Sani for description. Closing door or pressing any pad turns light off.
• Clean: Displayed when cycle is complete. Stays ON as a reminder. Turns off when door is opened.
• Cycle Status (on some models): Indicator light on door front changes color to show wash status (amber during wash, white when complete).
• Sounds: Dishwasher emits sounds for cycle completion, pad presses, and door ajar. To mute all sounds, press Dry pad 5 times within 5 seconds. Repeat to turn sounds back on.
• Mute: Turn control sounds ON/OFF by pressing Dry pad 5 times within 5 seconds.
• Sabbath/Door Wake Up Mode (on some models): Turn ON/OFF by pressing and holding Auto and Hi Temp Wash pads for 5 seconds, then close door and wait 3 minutes for sleep mode. In OFF mode, display, sounds, and interior lights do not respond to door opening/closing. Use for religious holidays. Press any pad to activate controls and lights.
• Smart Assist (on some models): Connecting to SmartHQ unlocks enhanced capabilities for optimal wash and dry performance. Smart Assist monitors functionality. See Appliance Communication for connection instructions.

Dispensers

Check the Water Temperature: Entering water should be at least 120°F (49°C) and not more than 150°F (66°C) for effective cleaning and to prevent dish damage. Check temperature with a candy or meat thermometer. Turn on the hot water faucet nearest the dishwasher, let water run continuously into a glass until temperature stops rising.

Use a Rinse Agent: High-quality rinse agents like Cascade® Platinum™ Power Dry™ Rinse Aid or Finish® Jet-Dry® Rinse Aid are designed for great drying and to protect against spots and film build-up.

Filling the Rinse Agent Dispenser: The dispenser holds 3.5 oz. (104 ml) and lasts approximately one month. Ensure the dishwasher door is fully open. Open the rinse agent dispenser door. Slowly add rinse agent until full, pausing as needed for it to settle. The indicator window does not light up. Clean up any spilled rinse agent with a damp cloth to prevent foam. Close the dispenser door.

Rinse Aid Setting: Adjust the amount of rinse agent released in the final wash. If water drops or hard water spots remain on dishes after drying, increase the setting. To adjust: Open dispenser door; turn adjuster clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to reduce.

Detergent Dispenser: Located in the center of the dishwasher door with two compartments: main wash and pre-wash (for very hard water or heavy soil loads; not used with tablets/packets). Do not block dispenser with large or tall dishware.

[Diagram: Illustration of the detergent dispenser with Pre-Wash and Main Wash compartments, and a Rinse Agent compartment.]

Detergent Amount: Amount depends on water hardness, temperature, and soil load. Contact your water company for hardness information (grains per gallon). You can purchase a hard water test strip (Part # WD01X10295) from GE Appliances.

Use only detergents specifically labeled for automatic dishwashers. Never use liquid hand dish detergent. Sudsing and poor wash performance will result from improper detergents. Store detergents in a dry location in their original container.

Filling the Detergent Dispenser: Café recommends high-quality tablet or packet detergents (e.g., Cascade® Platinum™ ActionPacs™ or Finish® Quantum® Powerball®). For shorter cycles, if wash-out occurs, place tablet/packet in the pre-wash compartment or bottom of dishwasher. For cycles 60 minutes or longer, place tablet/packet in the main wash compartment.

Using too much detergent with soft/hot water may cause permanent etching on glassware. Using too little detergent causes poor wash performance.

DO NOT USE HAND DISH DETERGENT

ℹ️ NOTE: Using non-dishwasher detergent causes suds that can spill out. Store dishwasher detergent separately from other cleaners. Show users the correct detergent and storage location.

Appliance Communication

WiFi Connect (on some models): Your dishwasher is GE Appliances WiFi Connect capable, allowing remote monitoring and control via smartphone. Use the QR code or visit cafeappliances.com/connect to download the SmartHQ App or connect your appliance. In Canada, visit cafeappliances.ca.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) This device must accept any interference received. Equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits, providing reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a technician.

Loading

For best dishwashing results, follow these loading guidelines. Features and appearance of racks and CustomFit Baskets may vary.

Middle Rack: Primarily for glasses, cups, and saucers. Tilt openings toward the center for best wash performance. Pots, pans, and plates can be placed here. Dishwasher-safe plastic items are secure. Odd-sized utensils, sauce pans, mixing bowls, and similarly shaped items should be placed face down. Ensure small plastic items are secure to prevent them from falling on the heater.

[Diagram: Illustration of the middle rack with glasses, cups, and plates loaded, showing tilt for optimal washing.]

IMPORTANT: Ensure items in the middle rack do not interfere with the CustomFit Top Rack. Ensure items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack or CustomFit Basket, as this blocks the middle spray arm rotation, potentially causing noise or poor wash performance.

Bottle Jets system (on some models): Ideal for baby bottles, tall sports bottles, or other tall items with narrow openings. Bottle Jets clips hold bottles so water jets clean hard-to-reach areas. Clips can be installed/removed by slipping the clip opening over the nozzle.

[Diagram: Close-up of a Bottle Jet clip holding a bottle nozzle.]

CAUTION: A loaded middle rack can be heavier than anticipated. Do not raise or lower the middle rack after it is loaded to prevent injury or damage.

Middle Rack Adjustment: Some models allow 2" adjustment up or down for larger items. Lower by pushing long flaps on each side. Raise by lifting the rack until it locks.

[Diagram: Illustration showing how to adjust the middle rack height by pushing flaps or lifting.]

Middle Rack Adjustment (alternative method): Fully extend the rack, lift the front so roller wheels clear end hooks on rails. Pull rack until remaining wheels clear end hook. Select desired height rollers and reinstall rack, aligning wheels on end hook and rails. Ensure wheels are above and below rails.

CustomFit Lid Caddy (on some models): Adds flexibility for items like lids, blender blades, or small bowls. Can be placed in the up or down position.

Fold down tines (on some models): Provide flexibility for extra-large and hard-to-fit items. Tine rows adjust to vertical or lay-down position.

8 Place Settings - Middle Rack

[Diagram: Illustration of the middle rack loaded with 8 place settings.]

10 Place Settings - Middle Rack

[Diagram: Illustration of the middle rack loaded with 10 place settings.]

Lower Rack: Best for plates, saucers, and cookware. Large items like broiler pans and baking racks go on the sides. Oversized glasses/mugs can fit for flexibility. Plates/saucers should be placed between tines securely. Do not load large items where they might block the detergent dispenser or wash jets.

[Diagram: Illustration of the lower rack loaded with plates and bowls.]

Lower Rack Fold Down Tines (on some models): Can be adjusted to different angles or placed flat for hard-to-fit or extra-large items.

[Diagram: Close-up of lower rack tines showing angled and flat positions.]

Reversible Tine Blocks (on some models): Allow greater loading flexibility by changing tine block direction.

WARNING: Clips for fold down tines are a choke hazard for small children if removed. Keep out of reach.

To change tine direction: Lower tines, pull away from bar clips, remove. Reverse direction, reattach by pushing back until they click. Switch the indexer to the opposite side (slide to "unlock", align, slide to "lock").

[Diagram: Illustration showing how to remove and reattach tine blocks and indexer.]

IMPORTANT: Ensure items do not protrude through the bottom of the rack or CustomFit Basket, blocking the lower spray arm. Ensure large plates, pots, or tall items do not hit the mid spray arm.

8 Place Settings - Lower Rack

[Diagram: Illustration of the lower rack loaded with 8 place settings.]

10 Place Settings - Lower Rack

[Diagram: Illustration of the lower rack loaded with 10 place settings.]

Optional Loading Pattern - Lower Rack

[Diagram: Illustration of an optional loading pattern for the lower rack.]

CustomFit Top Rack (on some models): Recommended for silverware and large utensils.

CAUTION: Handle silverware/utensil tray with care; it may contain sharp or heavy items. Dropping items or the tray could cause injury.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Do not allow cutlery of different materials to touch each other in the CustomFit Top Rack, as this may cause discoloration.
• The tray is only for Café CustomFit Top Rack dishwashers to hold silverware, cooking utensils, and small items. Using it for other purposes may cause damage.
• Ensure the CustomFit Top Rack is fully closed before shutting the dishwasher door to prevent damage.

Optional Loading Patterns - CustomFit Top Rack with Silverware Caddy (on some models)

[Diagram: Illustrations of optional loading patterns for the CustomFit Top Rack with Silverware Caddy.]

Optional Loading Patterns - CustomFit Top Rack with Ultra Wash (on some models) and Silverware Caddy (on some models)

[Diagram: Illustrations of optional loading patterns for the CustomFit Top Rack with Ultra Wash and Silverware Caddy.]

Slide the CustomFit Top Rack to the Left to Allow Large or Tall Items to be Placed in the Middle Rack.

[Diagram: Illustration showing sliding the CustomFit Top Rack.]

To remove the CustomFit Top Rack:

1. With the rack fully extended, lift the front of the rack so roller wheels clear the retaining hook.
2. Pull the rack until remaining roller wheels clear the retaining hook.
3. Replace by aligning roller wheels on the retaining hook and rack rails, ensuring wheels are on top of the rack rails.

CustomFit Basket: Place flatware in baskets. Sharp objects (forks, knives) can be placed handle-up for safety. Spoons should be handle-down. Avoid nesting items for uniform washing. Distribute items evenly. Baskets can hold small items like measuring spoons, baby bottle nipples, plastic lids, or corn cob holders. Covers can be closed to contain small items.

[Diagram: Illustration of CustomFit Baskets with flatware loaded, showing lid and how tabs hook onto the lower rack.]

IMPORTANT: Do not load large or tall utensils where they may block the detergent dispenser, mid spray arm, or become trapped between the door and gasket.

Ultra Wash (on some models): Targets stubborn food and separates nested spoons/forks for spotless silverware. Use CustomFit Basket lids for optimal cleaning. Ultra Wash can also clean mixing bowls and other cookware on models with CustomFit Top Rack. Do not remove the Ultra Wash system.

CustomFit Basket - 8 Place Settings Model

[Diagram: Illustration of CustomFit Basket loaded with 8 place settings.]

CustomFit Basket - 10 Place Settings Model

[Diagram: Illustration of CustomFit Basket loaded with 10 place settings.]

ℹ️ NOTE: For optional silverware loading, refer to CustomFit Top Rack loading.